Ottawa County Court

County Resources

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Ottawa County Court Information

The first courthouse in Ottawa County was built in 1836. The second courthouse was a larger one, completed in 1857. In 1894, a third, replacement courthouse was opened. The fourth county courthouse was completed in 1965, and then the fifth and current Ottawa County Courthouse opened in 2009.

Locations

20th Circuit Court
Grand Haven Courthouse
414 Washington Ave
Suite 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8320

Juvenile Court
Family Justice Center
12240 Fillmore St
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 786-4100

58th District Court
Grand Haven Courthouse
414 Washington Ave
Suite 300
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(616) 846-8280

59th District Court
85 West 8th St
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-6991

58th District Court
3100 Port Sheldon Rd
Hudsonville, MI 49426
(616) 662-3100

Ottawa County Probate Court
414 Washington Ave
Room 200
Grand Haven, MI 49417​
(616) 786-4110

United States District Court
Western District of Michigan
399 Federal Bldg
110 Michigan St NW
Grand Rapids MI 49503
(616) 456-2381

County Clerk

The County Clerk is the Clerk of the 20th Judicial Circuit Court. The County Clerk is responsible for court records and filings, jury management, and the Court seal. This is an elected position. The Clerk also assumes the role of Register of Deeds.

The County Clerk is also the Chief Election Officer for the county, Clerk to the County Board of Commissioners,Clerk of the County Election Commission, and the keeper of vital records. The Clerk also issues and files marriage licenses.

Justin F. Roebuck
County Clerk/Register of Deeds
12220 Fillmore St
Room 130
West Olive, MI 49460
(616) 994-4531

United States District Court

Ottawa County is part of the Western District of Michigan for the United States District Court. The Southern division includes many counties in the Lower Peninsula, including Ottawa County.

Hala Y. Jarbou is the Chief United States District Judge of the Western District of Michigan. Ann E. Filkins is the Clerk of Court.

Circuit Court

Circuit Courts in Ottawa County fall under the jurisdiction of the 20th Judicial Circuit of Michigan. There are 57 judicial circuits in Michigan, and judges are elected to 6-year terms.

Circuit Court has jurisdiction of all civil cases that involve more than $25,000, domestic relations cases, felony criminal cases, some serious misdemeanors, and cases requesting equitable relief. Circuit Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from the district courts.

District Courts

District Court judges are also elected to 6-year terms. District Courts hear cases involving traffic offenses, civil cases that involve up to $25,000, and all misdemeanor court cases. District Courts also hear landlord/tenant matters.

Magistrates

Magistrates are hearing officers that may be granted authority to act as judges in certain circumstances. They must be registered voters in their county, and magistrates are appointed by district judges. Magistrates may set bail, accept guilty pleas, and issue arrest and search warrants. Magistrates who are attorneys may hear small claims cases.

Referees

Referees are another type of hearing officer. Most commonly, they are Juvenile Court referees and Friend of the Court. They can preside over hearings and enter recommendations. Referees are attorneys who are in good standing with the Michigan bar.

Civil Court

Civil courts hear cases that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two people.

Circuit Court hears civil cases involving more than $25,000. District Courts hear civil cases that go up to $25,000. Small claims cases involving up to $7,000 are heard in a special division of District Courts.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court handles most cases involving criminal offenses, including felonies and misdemeanors. The Circuit Criminal Court hears felony criminal cases and more serious misdemeanors that may result in a person being sentenced to 1 year or more in prison. Other misdemeanor charges, traffic offenses, and ordinance violations are heard in the District Courts.

Probate Court

Probate Court is focused on wills and estates and determines how a deceased person’s estate may be distributed. This court also hears cases involving guardianship and competency.

Family Court

The Family Division hears cases regarding domestic relations. This includes things like name changes, divorce, custody, paternity, adoption and child/spousal support.

Juvenile Court

This court hears cases involving delinquency, dependency, and emancipation of those under age 18. Delinquency refers to criminal offenses. Dependency refers to truancy or cases where a child has been neglected or abused.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialty court designed to help veterans with mental health issues and/or substance abuse problems resulting from their military service. The West Michigan Regional Veterans Treatment Court is a collaboration with Ottawa County, Van Buren County, Allegan County, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the State of Michigan. The program is designed to be at least 12 months long. To be eligible, the offender must not be a violent offender or a danger to the community.

Drug Court

The 58th District Court Sobriety Treatment Program provides an opportunity for non-violent offenders charged with drug-related offenses. The program lasts approximately 24 months. It includes drug and alcohol testing, mandatory counseling and substance abuse treatment, and regular court appearances.

There is a similar program, Ottawa County Recovery Court, offered through the Circuit Court. This program lasts 18 months.